At Sparta, the west end of the oldest rails-to-trails conversion in the country begins, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The three tunnels on the trail make it one of the most popular trails in Wisconsin. The longest is over 3/4 of a mile long. Walking through the tunnels is kind of eerie, with the strange sounds and constant dripping of water everywhere.  The section between Sparta and Norwalk, where the longest tunnel is located, is probably the most heavily traveled.  Windbreakers, lights and caps are recommended when walking through the tunnels. This is also the most scenic of the five trails, as it is heavily wooded, and in many places the trail is built up 20 feet above the surrounding area. The towns on the route are bike friendly, as they have had years of experience catering to bicyclists. From Sparta to Elroy, the total length of  the trail  is 32 miles.

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is part of a 100+ mile linking trail system. 

Check out:  Great River State Trail
                   La Crosse River State Trail
                   400 State Trail
                   Omaha Trail